In this interview for SAFE Project’s SAFE Workplaces portfolio, we spotlight a passionate advocate who is leading the charge to eliminate stigma, as well as support those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges in the workplace. Drawing from personal experiences, this advocate has dedicated their career to promoting mental well-being and creating stigma-free environments within their organization. Through innovative programs, comprehensive training, and a commitment to holistic wellness, they are paving the way for workplaces to become supportive spaces where employees feel empowered to seek help and thrive.
Kara (Houck) McCaffrey, MBA is a dedicated advocate for mental health and well-being in the workplace, driven by the personal loss of her brother, Gary, to suicide. With over a decade of experience outside the construction industry, Kara brings a unique perspective to her current role at Houck, a company committed to fostering a supportive and stigma-free environment. At Houck, Kara leads efforts to promote mental health education, implement proactive wellness initiatives, and ensure that employees have access to the resources they need. Through her leadership, she is making significant strides in creating a workplace that prioritizes the holistic well-being of its employees.
What motivated you to become an advocate for mental health and well-being in the workplace?
I lost my brother, Gary, to suicide in 2005, and others since, which has driven my passion for mental health and suicide prevention. For over a decade, I worked outside of construction in a healthcare software company, where I learned more about the clinical side of suicide. That experience inspired me to advocate for incorporating mental health and well-being into the workplace. Since we spend most of our waking hours at work, having workplaces that strive to be stigma-free and supportive can make a real difference in keeping people healthy.
How has your lived experience with suicide influenced your professional life and career path?
Losing loved ones to suicide has significantly shaped my career. It has fueled my passion and guided me toward opportunities in the mental health space. I feel it’s my purpose to raise awareness, break down stigma, educate people on available support, and use my voice and platform to make a difference, hopefully saving lives.
What specific practices or routines do you follow to maintain your mental and physical health while excelling in your job?
Honestly, I need to remind myself to prioritize my own wellness! I often focus on others’ well-being and lose sight of my own. I try to get a good night’s sleep, stay active through yoga and walking, and spend time with family and friends.
Can you provide examples of initiatives or programs you’ve helped develop or implement that focus on proactive wellness and mental health?
I’m proud of what we’re doing at Houck, but I’m even more excited about what’s to come. One of my main goals is to remove the stigma surrounding mental health. I hope that by talking openly, I encourage others to seek help before it escalates. Here are some of our initiatives:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training: We’ve trained a group to provide support to those in crisis. Research shows that MHFA training reduces stigma, increases empathy, and equips individuals with tools to manage their own mental well-being.- Vital Cog Training: A construction-specific suicide prevention program. We’ve trained leadership, superintendents, and safety managers, with plans to expand company-wide. I’m a certified Vital Cog instructor and lead this training.
- Healthcare and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Enhancements: We improved our EAP and access to virtual behavioral health care, actively promoting these benefits across multiple platforms, including toolbox talks, emails, and newsletters.
- Opioid Awareness and Response: We have Narcan available for emergencies and participated in a press release with the Keystone Contractors Association and Pennsylvania Senators. We also promote drug take-back days and include opioid education in our newsletters.
- Awareness Weeks: For Construction Opioid Awareness Week in July, we conduct opioid-related toolbox talks, send resource emails, and offer “Warn Me” stickers for insurance cards to alert employees when a prescription contains an opioid. For Construction Suicide Prevention Week in September, we participate in a national stand down, deliver toolbox talks, and hand out hard hat stickers promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We also focus on year-round wellness initiatives beyond mental health:
- Physical Wellness: We offer a gym reimbursement program, partnered with a local gym for corporate discounts, and stock breakrooms with free healthy snacks.
- Social Wellness: We host family events like Take Your Kid to Work Day and company picnics, have appreciation and team-building activities to connect with co-workers like golf outings and holiday events, and work on giving back to our community and doing good by sponsoring charity events and coordinating donation drives.
- Financial Wellness: We educate employees on financial planning and partner with them on 401K management and budgeting.
I’m also involved in several regional and national initiatives to improve the construction industry overall, bringing lessons learned back to Houck.
What resources or strategies have you found most effective in addressing opioid addiction and recovery in your professional setting?
This is an area we’re actively working on our approach and continually brainstorming. The initiatives mentioned above focused on awareness and education is part of our efforts, so people know it’s okay to ask for help and what resources are out there. We also have a second change drug policy, whereas some companies will fire you on the spot for testing positive, we believe people deserve an opportunity to get connected to someone who can help them get to a healthier place through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
What advice would you give to employers who want to support employees dealing with mental health issues and promote a culture of wellness?
Start somewhere, even small. Just do something! Support employees’ mental health as much as you would their physical health, and make it okay for them to ask for help. There are many free resources to educate your workforce and many ways to learn more about these topics. Get a group of people who care about this and see where it can lead for your company.
If your organization is working to eliminate stigma and support employees with substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health challenges, and you would like to be featured, please email: media@safeproject.us
